Geography:
Sherqillah is situated at a distance of 40KM from west of Gilgit town towards North West besides the Ghizer river, in district. The distance to district head quarter Gahkuch is 24KM. a suspension bridge connects Sherqillah with the Ghizer road. It is divided into different residential places like Hmuchal, Diraney, Moos, Loidaas, Amphary, Majiniphari, Danjer, Rashmal, Ramasot and Daas.
Bargo village of district Gilgit is situated to east, Gulapur to South, Dalnat to South West, Japukey to West and Naltar valley is situated to the north of Sherqillah.
Ecologically the village falls under dry temperature eco-zone. Rainfall is mainly during march-May and during June and August. Irrigation is based on water from Sherqillah Nallah.
History:
Anciently named as “6aburkhand” since its existence nobody has found its history in the written form; however the ancient people had transferred its history verbally from generation to generation. Sherqillah has been targeted by several conquerors from north and west because of its nearness to nature and geographic and climatic importance.
People of different races from south and central Asia traveled to this area and lived here in the past. These people created the history of this area and left many monuments behind them, an example is the monument if Dooda Seyn(a Ringleader of Yashkun tribe) in Amphary, it is a sign of Zartusht religion(worshipers of fire) in Sherqillah.
In the ancient times the only way of income was farming. People used to grow crops like maize, rice, pulses and wheat. Sherqillah has been famous for its fruits like walnut, apricot, almond, grapes, charies and apple which were sold in Gilgit bazaar. Grapes have been famous fruit of Sherqillah, and it was mostly sold. There were no vehicles and road for transport, people used to cross the distance by foot.
Socioeconomic Situations:
There is an estimated population of 14000 people in Sherqillah village, living in above1200 households. The majority of people is quite poor. The common language spoken is Shina.
There is enough land, livestock, jobs and businesses in the village. The poor groups have less than 5 kanals of land, average education and few livestock, while the well off groups have sufficient income from their agriculture land. Farmers spent most of their time in the fields, while women spent most of the time at home and in the fields.
People mostly go to Gilgit and Gahkuch town to purchase items of their daily requirements, Tehsil and courts for attending disputes cases and hospitals for medical treatment. Most of Sherqillah businessmen have their own shops, workshops and restaurants in Gilgit and Gahkuch main bazaar.
There are several government and non government institutions working in education and other sectors. Private institutions are registered with the district government. Girls have approach to college level education at the door but boys travel to Gilgit or other cities Pakistan . Literacy rate in females is 65% and 40% in male section. The literacy rate is unsatisfactory in males as compare to females.
The details of Govt. and private institutes are as following:
S.No | Institution | Govt/Private |
Education | ||
1. | Government | |
2. | Government | |
3. | Government | |
4. | Government | |
5. | Government | |
6. | Government | |
7. | Government | |
8. | Aga Khan Higher Secondary School | Private |
9. | Private | |
10. | Private | |
11. | Private | |
12. | Private | |
13. | Private | |
14. | Community Girls Hostel | Private |
Health Institutions | ||
15. | Sherqillah Civil Dispensary | Government |
16. | Centre for Family Planning | Government |
17. | Aga Khan Health Centre | Private |
18. | Sherqillah Veterinary Dispensary | Government |
Financial | ||
19. | Galaxy Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd. | Private |
20. | Sherqillah Women Organization | Private |
Sports | ||
21. | Sherqillah Sports Club | Private |
Fisheries | ||
22. | Diraney Hatchery | Government |
23. | Bhar Hatchery (Under Construction | Government |
Handicrafts | ||
24. | Government Handicraft Training Centre Rashmal | Government |
NGO | ||
25. | Ghizer Rural Advancement Foundation |
Natural Resources
Sherqillah is rich with water resources Khand Glacier, Karey Daar Glacier, Passu, Khaltar, Summi and Bichhar Glaciers are main sources of water. Several fountains provide clean and fresh water throughout the year, some lakes are also found in Karey Daar and Khaltar and the Dimbat Lake in HamuchaL ranks the beauty of Sherqillah.
Rainfall occurs between April to August but heavy rainfalls occurs in July and August. Months of snowfall are form December to February. Glaciers start melting in May and the maximum flow of water in Sherqillah stream takes place in July and August and reduces after September.
People use tap water for drinking throughout the year. There are 3 water supply thanks 2 from Bhar fountains and 1 from Danjer fountain. There are 9 channels from the main stream fulfilling the need of irrigation water in the village. The water from Sherqillah steam is also used to run 2 powerhouses which supply sufficient electricity to Sherqillah and Gulapur.
The following tree species and shrubs are found in forests of Pamir , Khaltar, Choko and Chili6en in Sherqillah.
S.No | Local Name | Scientific Name | Tree/Shrub |
1. | Chee | Pinus | Tree |
2. | Chili | Betula Utiliss | Tree |
3. | Ka3ul | Picea Smithina | Tree |
4. | Jonzhi | Juniperous Macropoda | Tree |
5. | Biya | Tree | |
6. | Kasunar | Fraxinus Xanthoxyloides | Tree |
7. | Bizaar | Tree | |
8. | 6ingai | Rosa Webbiana | Shrub |
9. | Chontal | Rheum Webbiana | Shrub |
10. | Bizho | Shrub | |
11. | Nirko | Daphne Oleoides | Shrub |
12. | Doodal | Shrub | |
13. | Booro | Hippophae Rhamnoides | Shrub |
14. | Dara | Shrub | |
15. | Churki | Rumex Cirpus | Shrub |
16. | Ishkeen | Berberis | Shrub |
17. | Ispandur | Pagnum Harmalla | Shrub |
Due to week implementation of forestry laws and lack of management for protection in Sherqillah forest areas, the condition of the forests is deteriorating as compared to the past. The number of natural trees has been decreased considerably during the last thirty years due to excessive deforestation.
Uses of Sherqillah Forest :
About 30% of Sherqillah forest wood is used as timber for domestic use. About 60% of forest wood is used as fuel wood and about 10% of wood is used for other purposes like making baskets, wooden plates, spoons and other house hold, agriculture equipments and furniture. Each household in Sherqillah uses an average of 30 mounds fuel wood from December to February. Out of 30 mounds of fuel wood about 50% are met from the planted trees of their own land, while remaining 50% are met from the natural forest of Sherqillah .
Pastures:
There are 20 Pastures in Sherqillah containing different kinds of natural resources like fresh water, medicinal herbs, wood species, rare wildlife species, minerals and different colors of nature. Most of the pastures are located at a distance of 5-40km from the village. The local people use pastures for grazing their livestock. They take their livestock to the pastures between 1st May to 15th of June and they return back in October. The pastures are also best picnic spot for the youth; different groups enjoy their summer vacations in these pastures to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Wildlife:
A large variety of wildlife is found in Sherqillah. Once Sherqillah was famous for its abundance of wildlife but it decreased with the growth of human population. The following wildlife species are found in Sherqillah.
S.No | Local Name | English |
1. | Bun Mayaaro | Ibex |
2. | Kil Mayaaro | Musk Deer |
3. | Oreen | Marco polo Sheep |
4. | Snow Leopard | |
5. | Loi | Fox |
6. | Urko | Wolf |
7. | Chhaanchi | Squirrel |
8. | Kirkali | Black Lizard |
9. | Ushayo | Rabbit |
Due to unavailability of any wildlife program and specialist the population of above mentioned species has not been fairly recorded yet. The hunting of wildlife animals is badly affecting their population and it also causes harmful effects on the natural heritage of the region.
Birds:
Following species of birds are found in Sherqillah.
S.No | Local Name | English |
1. | Kaakas | Red legged Partridge |
2. | Kooti | Hill Pigeon |
3. | Zhoone/Kaa | Crows |
4. | Ka6eyp | |
5. | Bayonj | Falcon |
6. | Buleyj | Jungle Hen |
7. | Mayoon | Golden Dipper |
8. | U6koor | House Sparrow |
9. | Hupupo | Hoopoe |
10. | Chok | Owl |
11. | Hara3un | Sparrow |
12. | Tsiki | |
13. | Tilter | |
14. | Kantei | Sparrow Hawk |
Reasons of Hunting:
Hunting is done for following purposes.
i. Ibex, Markhore and Musk Deer are hunted for their meat, horns and skin.
ii. Snow leopard and wolfs are killed to prevent livestock.
iii. Foxes are killed for prevention of poultry.
iv. Kaakas is hunted for gift and meat purposes.
v. Buleyj, Kooti and Tilter are hunted for meat.
Medicinal Herbs:
Medicinal plants are abundant in Sherqillah Nallah. They are used by the locals to cure their common diseases such as headaches, lose motion, joint pain etc.
Following medicinal plants are found in Sherqillah.
S,No | Local Name | Scientific Name | Local Usage |
1. | Tumuro | Thymus Serphyllum | Tea, Cure in digestion |
2. | Kasunar | Fraxinus Xanthoxyloides | Tea, good for jaundice, good for headache |
3. | 6ingai | Rosa Webbina | Bark is used to make tea |
4. | Hayao | Carum Bulbocasttanum | Spice for cooking |
5. | Jomi | Utrica diocia | Cures constipation, cooked as vegetable |
6. | Filil | Mentha Longifolia | Cures stomach ache, spice for cooking, salad |
7. | Booro | Hipohae Rhamnoides | Stomach ailments, used as medicine during pregnancy |
8. | Lilo | Viota Surpense | Sour throat, cough |
9. | Chontal | Rheum Webbiana | Blood purification, Stem is used as fruit |
10. | Momiran | Swertia Petiolate | Mixture with sugar, used as an eye drop |
11. | Churki | Rumex Cirspus | |
12. | Koropo | Stomach pain, heart perpetuation | |
13. | Laski char | Corydalis | Hair tonic |
14. | Nililo | Shampoo | |
15. | Sat a6i | Loose motion, used for pregnancy | |
16. | Ishkeen | Berberis | Cure for joints and back pain |
17. | Khakamus | Artemisia | Cure for stomach diseases |
18. | Gasmali | Ocimum Basilicum | Used with green tea |
Agriculture:
The area comes under double cropping zone. Agro structure of Sherqillah is quite homogenous, about 80% of its people are farmers and is the major source pf livelihood. Almost every household has its own land in which wheat, maize, potatoes, vegetables fodder and fruits are cultivated. Major crops in Sherqillah are wheat and maize. A large variety of fruits are grown in the village e.g. grapes, peaches, figs, cherries, walnuts, almonds, apples, pear, apricots, pomegranates etc.
Tourism Potential in Sherqillah:
As Sherqillah was capital of former Punial state and the residence of the governor, people from different regions of Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir and Chitral including British and other countries used to visit the governor. During their visits they made trips to different famous and historical areas of this valley which included the fort, different monuments, ruins of ancient fort at Sujo Bu3, Asylums of ancient people which were used for safety from enemies in Kasunar Daas, Donji and Parkisingot. The visitors also used to go to Nallah for hunting, tracking and entertainment.